Handbook on Effective National to Local Governance for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

This handbook introduces the reader to concepts, approaches, tools, exercises and innovative cases relating to Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. The handbook guides the reader towards roadmaps, policy toolkits, manuals and peer support to help cities and local communities better invest in practical actions on climate change. This handbook builds on global good practice and the Training Toolkit on “Effective National to Local Public Governance for SDG Implementation." developed by UNPOG/DPIDG/UN DESA. This handbook is one in a Handbook Series on "Innovative Local Governance for the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals" developed by UNPOG/DPIDG. 

COVID-19, climate change and our interconnected world are changing the risk landscape for local communities. To maintain progress, local communities must address physical, cyber, geographical, logistical and resource dependent risks. They must also support systems and infrastructures, including information, communications, transport, energy and other fundamental systems. Much of the power to regulate this systemic risk is outside of local authorities' control. However, global and national goals exist that do require local action dedicated to strengthening resilience. Climate impacts are felt locally. For example, emissions are the result of processes that occur in a given place. Therefore, local governments are crucial players in climate change adaptation and mitigation.